How to Read and Set the Tire Pressure on a Toyota RAV4
It’s very important to keep your tires properly inflated. After all, your tires are the only point of contact that your vehicle has with the road.
Lucky for you, I’ve created this comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about viewing, measuring, monitoring, and setting the tire pressure on your Toyota RAV4.
Checking your tire pressure is a simple but crucial maintenance item. Since it’s so important, I’ve covered a few different topics about tires such as how to reset the tire pressure light, which tires are quietest on the RAV4, and also discussed my experience with my original RAV4 tires.
This article covers one of the most important topics around RAV4 tires, which is reading and setting tire pressure. Check out the video below and read the article for the full details!
Displaying the Tire Pressure
Yes, a Toyota RAV4 can display the tire pressure in the Toyota app or on the multi-information display on some 2019-2023 RAV4s.
We haven’t been able to confirm which trim levels are capable of showing the tire pressures directly on the multi-information display. I’m surprised this isn’t included as a default feature on all RAV4s.
Note: In Canadian RAV4s, you may not be able to view tire pressures within the app because they might not have TPMS.
Viewing Tire Pressure on the Toyota App
The Toyota app is a free mobile app that can help you stay connected to your vehicle. It offers a free trial that allows you to view your tire pressure in the app via Toyota’s Connected Services.
Note: You will need a Service Connect free trial or subscription to access this feature. Learn more about Service Connect in the video below.
Once you have Service Connect, here’s how to set it up.
- Download the app to your device
- Open the app and tap Register to create a new account (or login with your existing credentials)
- Enter your personal identification information and tap “Sign Up” to have an activation code sent to your email
- Get the activation code and use it to verify your account
- Use your device’s camera to scan the VIN within the app or enter it manually
- Tap “Add Vehicle” and confirm the vehicle and dealership for your RAV4
- Review the Connected Services Trials and tap “Continue”
- Review the Connected Service Data Handling Requirements and tap “Agree and Continue”
- Review the Service Connect Communication and tap “Agree and Continue”
- Review the Auto Insurance Designed for you and tap “Agree and Continue”
- Tap “Finish Setup” to complete the process
After you’ve set up the app with your vehicle’s details, you can use it to view specific information about your RAV4 like tire pressure.
Checking Tire Pressure Without the App
Not everyone likes to digitize their auto experience. If you like an old-fashioned to approach to car care, then you don’t have to use the app. Here are some other options that I prefer to use.
1. Use an Air Pressure Gauge
The easiest way to get an accurate reading of your car’s tire pressure is with an air pressure gauge.
I recommend this tire pressure gauge for under $15. It can read pressures up to 150 PSI which is plenty for a RAV4. It’s digital with a backlit screen so you can use it during day or night. You can also use this gauge for cars, trucks, bikes, or other vehicles too.
To use the gauge, you unscrew the tire valve on your tire and connect the nozzle of the gauge. The PSI will be displayed on the screen. You can choose one of four settings for your reading: PSI, BAR, KPA, and Kg/cm2.
Having a way to check your tire’s air pressure is useful. You’ll want to check the pressure of your tires every few months for maintenance purposes, especially when the outside temperature changes significantly. If you’re planning to go on a long trip or carry additional loads, it’s also a good idea to check your tire pressure.
You’ll get a more accurate reading on your air pressure gauge if you check when your tires are cold. This is because tire pressure can decrease around 1 PSI for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. This isn’t due to air escaping but rather the air inside the tire condensing. It’ll take up less space when it’s cold. However, this is only temporary because driving will heat up the tire and then increase the tire’s pressure.
2. Wait for the Tire Pressure Light on the Dashboard
If you don’t want to use the app or purchase an air pressure gauge, then you can rely on the RAV4’s low air pressure warning light. This light is reliable, but it can take a little while to turn on. Your tires will need to reach critically low pressure before you’re notified on your dashboard.
Additionally, you’ll only see the tire symbol rather than the tire pressure reading. Here’s what it looks like:
In some cases, the TPMS warning light can go on during colder weather. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your tire has a leak. You can wait to see if the light turns off as you drive, but if that’s not the issue, you’ll need to address the issue sooner rather than later.
Finding the Correct Tire Pressure
Before setting your tire pressure, you’ll need to know what PSI to set the pressure at.
Luckily, this is easy to find. No need to dig through the owner’s manual!
- Open the driver’s side door.
- Locate the sticker on the door jamb.
- Make note of the correct tire pressures.
Setting the Tire Pressure
Setting the tire pressure on your RAV4 is quite easy and can be done for free!
To do this, you’ll need a portable tire inflator or air compressor. You can also find these at most gas stations (usually for free).
Here are the steps to set your Toyota RAV4’s tire pressure:
- If using a gas station air pump, set the desired pressure on the pump.
- Unscrew the cap from the tire’s valve stem
- Place the cap in a secure location, so it doesn’t get lost
- Attach the air hose to the valve
- Push down until you hear air inflating the tire
- If using a gas station air pump, hold it in place until the air pump beeps
- If using an air compressor, hold it in place for a few seconds, then check the pressure manually
- If it remains low, continue filling
- Put the cap back in place once the pressure is correct
- Repeat this process for any other low tires
Risks of Low Tire Pressure
Monitoring your tire pressure is very simple to do, but it is often neglected by RAV4 owners. It’s one of the most important aspects of vehicle maintenance that you should be keeping an eye on.
Low tire pressure can be caused by cold weather, a puncture, a damaged wheel, bad tires, or simply elapsed time (Chapel Hill Tire).
When driving on low tire pressure, you expose yourself to unsafe conditions and more wear and tear. Below is a list of the risks associated with driving on low tire pressure.
- Increased wear and tear: Your tires will wear out quicker and will do so unevenly.
- Braking distance is increased: It will take longer for you to stop your vehicle quickly in an emergency.
- Handling is negatively impacted: You will have less steering precision and vehicle stability during turns and maneuvers.
- Lower fuel economy: Your RAV4’s miles-per-gallon (MPG) will be lower.
(Michelin)
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Conclusion
While the most recent Toyota RAV4 model has a tire pressure monitoring system, it doesn’t have a classic display on the dashboard. To see your tire pressure, the Toyota RAV4 tire pressure display is in the app.
If you don’t want to use the app, you can revert to using an air pressure gauge or wait for the warning light to appear on the dashboard. Either way, the tire pressure gauge is an inexpensive investment that can make refilling your tires significantly easier.